Co. A., 31st Ind. Volunteers met
at Blue's Grove near Montezuma to hold their second reunion Aug. 25, 1896 at 10
o'clock. The meeting was called to order by Warren Brockway (one of the
boys) who delivered a very appropriate welcome address, which was responded to
by Col. GA Smith, one of the 31st bravest officers, in his humorous and happy
way that brought the old fashioned applause from the boys. An adjournment
was taken until two o'clock during which time a great amount of turkey, chicken,
coffee, pies, cakes, melons and every good thing known was devoured in a manner
respectful to all present. At 2 o'clock sharp Judge A. F. White was
introduced and in his happy, original way talked to the boys as they were never
talked to before, going with them from camp to the front, through march, battle,
mud, dust, cold and heat through the war picturing their gallantry and
determination to put down the rebellion at all hazards and then with an overflow
of oratory and eloquence said, "It was not for the $13 per month in paltry
gold that you did all this, but for the preservation of your country and your
country's flag." The next annual reunion will be held at Waterman,
the date to be announced in due time.